Jaguar Jonze - Bunny Mode (Nettwerk Records) 
Release Date: Out Now
Taiwanese-Australian artist Jaguar Jonze is bringing her debut album to market and, well, it is not a second too soon. 'Bunny Mode' is an eleven track masterclass in putting the alt in to alt-pop and an element of performance in to each song so let's dive in and swim around, shall we? The album opens up with 'Know My Name', a song that pulses and thrums in to life with strident guitar chords and the kinds of energy that gets you ready for a big night out, a fight or to tackle a huge life altering decision. It is a bold start.
'Who Died And Made You King?' continues with the same level of energy, pairing the attitude of Lily Allen with the sass of UPSAHL giving us a lethal cocktail of pop with a chaser of anti-politics. There's a 90s element to 'Swallow' that reminds of Sneaker Pimps, Skunk Anansie and Republica before 'Drawing Lines' gives us our first respite of the album with a slinky, seductive number that wouldn't be out of place on a Bond soundtrack. 'Trigger Happy' takes the pace back up a few notches but keeps the dark tones to create a song that combines a breathy, almost innocent vocal with a menacing guitars and a sketchy beat that really gets under your skin.
On 'Loud' Jonze takes us to a more a cinematic place with a semi-fairytale melody and subdued vocals that explode in to the chorus with defiance and passion. Recent single 'Little Fires' still stands out as uplifting and punchy track before another single, 'Punchline', roars in to the room with a hectic and twitchy energy that is hard not to get swept up in. Entering the home straight, 'Cut' swings back to the slinky, seductress vibe but one who has a hidden switchblade and scarily accurate aim. Penultimate track 'Not Yours' is the most subdued on the album but the dreamy Lorde meets Lana Del Rey vocals are still underpinned by a huge guitar sound the Morricone would be proud of. The curtain comes down to the tune of 'Man Made Monster' which has a brilliantly unhinged rhythm and energy but retains that femme fatale vibe perfectly without missing a step. As debuts go, this couldn't be much more inventive, brave or creative but I could say the same if this was Jaguar Jonze's fifth album release. A genuinely exciting and provocative talent that the world needs to pay attention to. Expect even bigger things soon.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/jaguarjonze
Live Dates:
Friday 1 July - Miami Marketta, Gold CoastSaturday 2 July - The Triffid, BrisbaneFriday 8 July - Kambri, CanberraSaturday 9 July - Oxford Art Factory, SydneySunday 10 July - Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle